David Shoop turns Wright State values into a powerful legal career

David Shoop ’97 has spent his legal career holding major manufacturers accountable for dangerous products, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for injured consumers and helping remove hundreds of thousands of defective products from the marketplace — work that has earned the Wright State University grad the 2026 College of Liberal Arts Outstanding Alumnus Award.

After serving on active duty in the United States Army, Shoop returned to his hometown of Dayton and became the first in his family to attend college. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Wright State University, graduating magna cum laude, before earning his law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

Shoop said his experience at Wright State laid the foundation for everything that followed.

“Wright State has affected my life and my career in so many positive ways,” he said. “It’s this work ethic it instills in you. It’s the dedication. It’s not taking any shortcuts, and that’s what I take from my Wright State experience, and those are still principles that I apply in my practice today.”

Shoop is the founder of Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation in Beverly Hills, which recently celebrated its 15th anniversary. His firm focuses on product liability and medical device litigation and has achieved some of the largest verdicts and settlements in California.

David Shoop ’97 was honored as the 2026 College of Liberal Arts Outstanding Alumnus. (Photo by Erin Pence)

“We have a pretty incredible track record with respect to some of the largest verdicts and settlements in California,” Shoop said. “We’re incredibly proud to represent our clients effectively and with diligence.”

Shoop said the most meaningful accomplishment of his career is that his firm’s work has directly contributed to the recall of hundreds of thousands of dangerous and defective products, helping prevent injuries and save lives. His team has driven changes in product design, warnings and manufacturing practices across multiple industries.

For Shoop, Wright State was more than a place to earn a degree. It was where he first experienced the kind of support and mentorship that shaped his approach to life and work.

He recalls arriving on campus unsure of how to enroll and being guided by a business professor who took time to walk him to the Registrar’s Office and help him register for classes.

“I think that singular act of kindness typifies Wright State and my Wright State experience,” Shoop said. “I always wanted to pay that act forward, and I’ve never forgotten that.”

Among the faculty members who had the greatest impact on him was December Green, Ph.D., professor of political science, whom he credits with challenging him to reach his full potential.

“She really did a lot to push me,” Shoop said. “I was never going to disappoint Dr. Green.”

Shoop said a Wright State degree represents stewardship and the responsibility to work hard, care deeply and use success to improve the lives of others.

“The fact that Wright State chose to bestow this honor on me means so much to me,” he said. “Wright State was the foundation of all that, and I am forever grateful.”